Training Log Archive: JHen

Hockanum River Linear Trail from Adams St. (Tails U Win) to East Middle Tpke. and back. Again, I was the first human traffic on a trail since Wednesday's snow storm. A couple of dogs and some deer had used parts of the trail before me. Tested my new down mittens purchased at LL Bean just a few minutes before. They were too warm for conditions. They should be perfect for snowblowing on days like yesterday.

Did the first 3.5 miles out Grant Hill to the end of New Rd. with Bonnie. She was continuing on Grant to do a 12 mile loop which is beyond what I can handle. I took Noah to the entrance to Tobiason Preserve, did a short trail run to connect to Weigold St. and then to Broadway and home. Snow flurries and temp around 30 felt a whole lot more comfortable when compared to yesterday.

For the 2nd time in 3 years, I went on the Meshomasic Hiking Club's New Year's Day Hike and no one else showed up. In 2007 the hike at Gay City was rained out. Today, it must have been the cold. It was about 12 degrees with a wind chill below zero when I started at 10:15. Hiked the planned route from Bolton Notch on the rail trail south nearly to Steele's Crossing where I hiked the side trail up to Rose Farm. 4 - 5" of light, fluffy snow on the ground. Should have worn YakTraks for better traction. Wasn't uncomfortable until I turned north to return to the car. Froze my face. Nice way to start the exercise year.

Quick review of '08. Made my goal of logging 366 hours. Lots of it was low intensity on purpose hoping to lose some weight and stay injury free. I did lose 17 pounds - down from 152 on Jan 1st to 135 by the end of October. Unfortunately, I added 4 back since Thanksgiving. Injury situation is greatly improved. Right ankle isn't perfect, but way better than it was a year ago.

Goals for '09 - 130 lbs. and 365 hours. Orienteering goal is another Billygoat shirt, 2 or 3 A meets on Blue. Running goals - 1st M60 at the Fred Warren and Brian Wallace races and just maybe a sub 23:00 5k.

Wilson loop on lunch break. Windy.

Started at Goodwin State Forest HQ and explored trails and woods roads on Bear Hill and around Black Spruce Pond. Cloudy and very warm for late Dec. Most of the snow gone from the forest.